Cancellation of Membership

I signed up for a gym membership which was supposed to be valid for a year at the rate of R200. I have used the membership here and there but it was never an everyday thing for me due to work etc. My issue started when I realised that there was an increase on the membership. I immediately cancelled the direct debit as well as reversed the money back into my account as like any company before a contract ends they would normally email or call you to make you aware of that or even try to get you a new plan. However this was not the case, I proceeded to email the gym to advise them to cancel the contract and that I have reversed the money back. I was than advised that I need to give them a 30 day notice to cancel and that I still need to pay them. As a customer I do not feel that is fair as there was no communication from their end to even make me aware of the increase so why should I communicate with them in advance when I would like to cancel my membership and they still had the nerve to sms me saying I need to pay them. The contract according to them ended in February already and the last time I went was in July 2024 when the payment was still the agreed price. This is not a transparent gym